Enhancing state-wide corn (Zea mays) productivity by bridging the yield gap between top and average farmers in India

Abstract

Maize is a versatile crop serves multiple purposes which providing both food and feed to humans and livestock. It is also a critical source of starch for various industrial applications. In recent years, maize has gained prominence as a fuel crop, contributing to renewable energy production through its conversion into biofuels, such as ethanol. The physiological attributes of maize plants, particularly their remarkable efficiency in converting solar energy into carbon compounds via photosynthesis, surpass those of many other plants. For breeders, the flower structure of maize facilitates efficient breeding methodologies, enabling the swift development of new and improved genotypes that enhance maize crop productivity. The Government of India (GoI) has mandated the Indian maize group to support ethanol production, aiming for the ambitious target of E20 blending by 2025-26 (20% ethanol mixed with gasoline). However, meeting this increased demand poses a significant challenge for the scientific community. To meet the additional demand, India needs an extra 18-20 million metric tonnes (MMT) of maize over the traditional demand for feed and industry which estimated 42 MMT by 2030. To address these challenges comprehensively, the scientific community must collaborate on both immediate and long-term strategies. In the short term, empowering farmers by disseminating best practices, providing access to improved seeds, and optimizing cultivation techniques can elevate the productivity of a larger number of farmers to match the best-performing farmers in the region. This could be made possible by disseminating best practices, providing access to improved seeds, and optimizing cultivation techniques, the productivity across the board. As a long-term strategy, breeding climate-smart corn hybrids that prioritize traits such as climate resilience, high ethanol recovery, disease resistance, and yield stability offers a sustainable solution. This article covers both immediate and long-term approaches, drawing from practical experiences and research to provide a comprehensive roadmap for enhancing maize productivity and meeting future demands.